BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21880, 16 August 1934, Page 13

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

EDUCATION BOARD'S VIEW NELSON SYSTEM FAVOURED SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT A resolution favouring the giving of religious instruction in schools through the development of the Nelson system was adopted at a meeting of the Auckland Education Board yesterday. Several members had previously expressed opposition to the arguments submitted by the executive of the New Zealand Educational Institute against the Religious Instruction in Public Schools Enabling Bill, while others had objected to clauses in the bill. Mr. G. E. Spooner said he was not prepared to support the request of the institute that the board give its assistance in opposing the bill, and he would move accordingly. "It must be generally admitted," he said, "that there is a very general desire for some form of religious instruction in schools. Regarding the executive's circulars, some of the points made are well worthy of consideration, but others are anticipating trouble that will never occur. I refuse to accept the opinions expressed as the general opinion of the teachers." He pointed out that by a clause in the bill, the Nelson system could be retained where it was working harmoniously. Question of Hardship

The chairman, Mr. T. U. Wells, stated that there were 195 schools under the board in which religious instruction was being given under the Nelson system. The total number of children receiving instruction was 25,817, while 2548 were exempted at the express wish of their parents or guardians. Mr. C. F. Collins said at least one of the institute's objections, that relating to the hardship which might result to teachers in country districts, was worthy of strong support. A teacher of a country school who was opposed to giving religious instruction, when the parents were in favour of it, would be ill a most unsatisfactory position, and this would be true also when the positions were reversed.

Doing "More Harm Than Good" Objection to certain features of both the bill and the arguments advanced against it by the institute were expresesd by Mr. S. B. Sims, and lie moved as an amendment, that the board favour the development of the Xelson system of Bible reading. He thought teachers were not the proper people to give religious instruction, and considered it should be given, as under the Nelson systejn, by ministers. The chairman said he was in favour of the amendment. He had no doubt there were many teachers in the service of the board who would be glad to give religious instruction, and who would do it as well as any minister of religion. At the same time, it must be remembered that the board employed teachers of every kind of religious opinion. Ho agreed with Mr. Collins that hardship might be caused for teachers in country schools. It had also to be remembered that a teacher with no serious religious convictions might do infinitely more harm than. good ; Mr. Sims' amendment was carried.